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There a sense of peace when the house is clean. It feels as if life is as it should be. For that brief moment in time, all feels right. Then the air conditioning kicks in and there's suddenly a swirl of dog hair dancing across the floor I just swept. It's as if it has a life of its own and its taunting me.

What is it that makes certain areas of the floor in the house gathering zones for — what shall I call them — dust bunnies? No. I don’t have dust bunnies. It’s not even a herd or a colony of bunnies. It’s more than that.

I’m just going to put it out there. With four dogs running in and out of the house via the doggie door, we get a bit of pet hair in the old abode. I may be exaggerating a bit when I describe the dogs as “running in and out.” They’re usually lying around in the air conditioning listening to the television the Husband deliberately left on for their entertainment.

As a matter of fact, as I write this I noticed Chili lying on the floor in front of me with his chin up, looking at the TV watching "Father Brown" mysteries on Netflix. It’s not the first time we’ve caught him watching television. He truly seems engaged.

On occasion, the dogs will lazily rise, stretching from their curled, comfortable repose to get up and head outside to relieve themselves, bask in the sun, or maybe chase a squirrel or two. In Apollo’s case, he gets up at night to raise a little hell about 11 p.m., just so I have to go out there to call him back in so he stops bothering the neighbors. I swear it's like he's on a timer.

Anyway, as for the fur, we do brush them, but even that is a bit overwhelming.

What I find curious, though, is the particular places the dog hair gathers — behind a certain chair, around a table leg, in a certain corner — you get the picture.

It’s as if the clumps of fur have a consciousness of their own. Gather behind the­­_________ (fill in the blank). It’s time to meet.

A few months ago the Husband and I bought a new rug for the living room and created a dog-free zone using doggie gates. I absolutely love the lack of dog hair in that area. What I don’t like is how it is made up in the rest of the house. I can stuff pillows with the furry fluff. Sweep one day, it’s back the next.

I know the easiest way to get rid of the dog hair is to get rid of the dogs, but we all know that won’t happen.

Just tonight, I met the Husband at work with a pizza for his dinner break. I brought Chili with me for the ride. Each dog needs some one-on-one time and I sneaked Chili out when the others weren’t looking.

Scott and I sat on the tailgate eating a spinach Alfredo pizza. Chili roamed the grass around us. With his beautiful fan tail waving tones of black and tan, he greeted the occasional person coming out of the building. The dog knows no stranger or enemy.

One person asked how old he was. I replied about seven. But upon reflection, I realized he’s about eight years old this year. We adopted him at Thanksgiving.

Looking at that beautiful, sweet dog, and knowing that it is the fur of that long-haired-canine that I find most on the floor of our home, I wouldn’t change a thing.

We may not have little ‘ole dust bunnies. We just have big ‘ole buddies — that cause us to sweep and vacuum a lot. That’s just life, darlin’.

Love and companionship always triumph over housekeeping.

If you’re ready for an evening out under the stars, head out to the Renaissance at Colony Park, 7-10 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19, for Blues by Starlight. The event, benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi, includes live blues music, food and drinks from local restaurants and more. For more information, go to www.bgccm.org. Cost: $100.

If you’re more inclined to participate in a run for a good cause, join the Purple Dress Run, a 5K run/walk fundraiser for Catholic Charities to “run domestic violence out of town.” Runners are encouraged to wear purple attire. Prizes awarded for top male and female participants, as well as, best male and female costumes. For more information, go to www.purpledressrunjxn.com/register.

Are you a person who appreciates the quality and beauty of antiques? Don’t miss the Bagwell Antique Show and Sale at the Mississippi Trade Mart this weekend. Collectors and antique sellers from round the country will be on hand exhibiting pieces. Hours are: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For more information, go to Bagwell Antique Show & Sale..

If you’re in the mood for a more intimate, local market that features creative works by local artists, head to the Millsaps Market at the North Midtown Arts Center, 121 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, on Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The monthly event is free.

Contact Barbara Gauntt at bgauntt@gannett.com. Follow The Upside on Facebook.